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Plain text is too large to simply paste into WIP. Files are in compressed zip folders containing plain text. Right click and “save as” to download (don’t open in your browser pdf) then rename file extension from PDF to .zip and it should then open. This is only temporary until I move them off WP.

CD Burning in general is supported in most operating systems right out of the box.

However, if you’re looking for a free alternative to features which are otherwise considered “premium”, like burning hybrid CD’s that work on Windows and Mac there are freely available tools licensed under GNU which have everything you need.

Consider the steps below. Simple (if you follow the steps and don’t have hiccups), free (as long as GNU stands) and error proof (so long as you use the precompiled binaries of stable versions and don’t stray to bleeding edge BETAs or compiling your own :P).

Step 1

For Windows:
Download and install Cygwin.
During install process, towards the end where you select packages, select cdrtools/cdrecord/mkisofs

Step 2

Prep a folder that will be burned to the disc. Make sure the contents will fit and verify the file structure is correct.

If you want to literally burn the folder itself, don’t “cd” into that directory. If you are burning the contents of the folder, you will “cd” into the directory and specify “.” as the target name instead of the folder name.

Step 3

In Windows start up Cygwin, on Mac open the darwin terminal window, on linux open your terminal window.

Run:cdrecord -scanbus

Note the numerical identifier for your burner drive. This is what you will specify for the “dev” parameter later.

Prior to the recent major events surrounding the release of 250k classified documents by Wikileaks on Julian Assange authority, I had browsed Wikileaks and discovered rarely any information that provided anything more than “tabloid style” unverified references as proof of their authenticity.

With the release of these recent government documents, based on the international reaction, it is now clear at least some, if not all of these documents are in fact valid and not tabloids or conspiracy theories after all.

Assange has made many statements regarding his reasons behind releasing these documents, but overall, in my opinion, the manner in which these documents have been released is of malicious intent, and if “free speech” and “free information” was the goal, the information should have been made available in timed released spurts in accordance with government and/or traditional press.

Aside from the implications of the content released, this establishes a dangerous precedence in which other groups of mass whistle-blowers and spies may attempt to leak sensitive information. This is already apparent with the recent launch of a similar site – “Indo Leaks”.

The question that poses itself now is how the government should handle the situation both locally and internationally; not just with the WikiLeaks situation, but also with proposed policies on future international electronic leaks of similar nature.

Ultimately, the way Assange is handled may be the determining factor in these policies, but the procedures that dictate justice in this instance are complex and not necessarily straight forward. I’m sure many minds with legal experience greater than mine will speculate on this, but aside from humanist values to consider, there are also technological factors which should go under careful and thorough investigation to avoid accidentally implementing regulations that could impact technological growth.

As the internet fades the lines between nations there will be many difficulties to face, as a nation and as an individual. With every technology, there is potential misuse and regulation. However, we should use our behavior historically as a civilization to remember that extreme regulation on technology only limits growth.

Previous Posts

Quotes

If we pommel through it and remained determined and follow through.. will that determine victory? (11/12/2013, Ronnie D.)

The formula for success is an equation with quantity, quality and perception. Everything else is anyone's guess. (11/1/2013, Ronnie D.)

World full of automation demands a new breed of worker. (3/3/2013, Ronnie D.)

Even the smallest piece of life contains a symphony of miracles. (8/13/2012, Ronnie D.)

Once your brain crosses over the threshold of limits you've been taught that define you, it's hard to turn back. (2/6/2012, Ronnie D.)

The flow of information can be redirected, but never cut off. (Winter 2010, Ronnie D.)

I don't like unknowns. It's not the truth that bothers me, it's wondering what that truth is. (Winter 2010, Ronnie D.)

We are nodes on the hive brain of the internet - the evolutionary collective consciousness... where each thought is merely a fraction of the blogosphere. (Summer 2008, Ronnie D.)

No one person thinks of a single idea. Every idea and its' variations always seem to spring forth simultaneously... it's as if there is a large pool somewhere filled with all ideas that we pull from. (Spring 2003, Ronnie D.)

Deep in our genetic structure, there lay dormant traits and attributes which are activated conditionally, outside of heredity. This has not yet been proven, but I have a gut feeling... and will guarantee that these innate qualities have already surfaced. (Summer 2002, Ronnie D.)